As graduation approaches, members of the Class of 2026 are taking part in a long-standing campus tradition with a more hands-on experience.
From noon to 5 p.m. on May 6, seniors gathered under the Oaks to place personalized bricks engraved with their names and graduation year. While the university has offered commemorative bricks for years, allowing students to physically lay their own bricks is a more recent addition.
“I think a big part of it is leaving your mark on a campus that you spent so much time on,” said Rachel Garner, coordinator of annual giving, who oversees senior class giving. “It’s something to look for when you come back to campus and visit.”
The process began weeks before the event. After seniors purchase their bricks, inscriptions are sent to an engraver, a process Garner said takes about a month. Once completed, the bricks are returned to campus in time for installation.
For brick mason Cody Watson, the day represents both a logistical challenge and a unique opportunity to interact with students.
“We had 240 holes to prep,” Watson said. “I started Monday morning and it took me six hours to get out 185 and then came back the next day for 2 hours to finish the rest.”
Cody Watson, the mason for Elon University, sets bricks along the pathway outside of the School of Communications during the annual "senior brick laying" event. This years event was held from 12pm to 5pm on May 6.
Watson, who has worked on brick-laying events for several years, said students sign up for time slots throughout the day to install their bricks. Those who don’t attend have their bricks placed later by staff.
“The more that show up and put them in, the less I have to put in at five o’clock,” Watson said.
By mid-afternoon, dozens of seniors had already participated, with many more expected before the event concluded.
Watson said the experience often brings out a mix of emotions for students nearing the end of their college careers.
“A lot of them say this is reality setting in,” Watson said. “Some are sad because college is over, but I think it’s a good thing to do. Elon prides itself on being hands-on, and this is very hands-on.”
For senior Karrie Scales, an exercise science major, the brick represents both closure and a new beginning.
“I really just wanted to have my name still here,” Scales said. “It’ll be cool to come back and see it.”
Graduating seniors took part in the annual brick laying ceremony. The 2026 ceremony was held on May 6, "under the oaks," outside of the School of Communications.
Scales, whose father is also an Elon alum, said the tradition feels especially meaningful as she prepares for life after graduation.
“It’s insane that we only have a couple weeks left,” Scales said. “I hope it’s more like opening a new door for me.”
Many students chose to place their brick near friends or in meaningful locations. Others documented the moment by taking photos or calling loved ones.
“I love when people come with their friends,” Garner said. “Then they see someone else’s brick and say, ‘Oh my gosh, I know that person.”’